The Kansas high school season is nearing quickly, and we're here to cover it. Over the next several weeks, leading up to opening day, we’ll be publishing our team previews ahead of the 2023 spring season, touching on programs spanning all state classifications, leading into a countdown through the official PBR Kansas Preseason Power 20 Rankings.

We’ve submitted a Preseason Questionnaire to high school head coaches across the entire state. Their responses have been flooding in and we’re using the detailed insight they’ve provided in our team-by-team preseason analysis.

 

Team: Blue Valley Northwest
League: EKL
2022 Record: 14-9 Lost in State Quarterfinal 
Classification: 6A
Head Coach: Mike Pangborn
Years at the Helm: 2

OUTLOOK

The BVNW Huskies may have shocked those not in the know as they won their regional as an 8 seed last spring. They played one of the most difficult schedules in the state and are set to do the same again this spring. The Huskies will play two games in Oklahoma (Deer Creek and Edmond Memorial), two games in Arkansas (Rogers and Springdale), full EKL schedule, and non-con games vs Olathe West, Ray-Pec, Mill Valley, Shawnee Mission East, Blue Springs South, and Lee's Summit West. They will rely heavily in 2023 on pitching depth as they return 80% of IP from 2022. Not only will they have experience on the mound, but they also return seven starters, nine with significant innings played over the last two years. It is not only senior leadership that will help the Huskies weather their schedule, but they also have a impactful and high energy coach staff they will call on. 

IMPACT PLAYERS

Easton Wasinger - 1B/P - 2023 -  L/L 
Should be one of the top bats in the state; 3 year starter; HM All EKL and HM All State 2 years in a row; has an opportunity to break 4 offensive career school records; committed to St. Louis University

Jack Kreisman - P/OF - 2023 -  L/R 
Had a breakout 2022 campaign on the mound; 3 year starter; 1st Team All EKL P/OF, 2nd Team All State P, HM All State OF, has an opportunity to break 2 pitching career school records, committed to University of Central Missouri

JJ Nei - P/DH - 2023 -  R/R 
Should see more IP this spring, big time power at the plate, 4 HR as a true DH in 2022; HM All EKL DH; committed to State Fair CC

Trey Mock - SS/P - 2023 - R/R 
Great defensive SS, could see more IP this spring with a two strike combo; HM All EKL SS

Carter Beach - OF/P - 2024 -R/R 
Great defensive OF, could see some IP this spring with deceptive pop, good all around hitter; started in OF second half of season and into postseason

Connor White - INF/P - 2023 - R/R 
Solid defensive INF, steady middle of the order bat, started at QB in the fall, 3 year starter

Christopher Daniel - INF/P - 2023 -  R/R
Solid defensive INF, team hitter, 2 year starter

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Carter Belton - 2023 - OF
PBR Notes: A quick twitch athlete who could make a big impact as he continues to polish his game

Keaton Humphrey - 2025 - INF
PBR Notes: Projectable 6-foot-3, 155-pound prospect that has and clean swing that will play at a high level as he adds strength. 

Dax Howard - 2024 - LHP/1B
PBR Notes: A two way prospect that could really make an impact on the mound as his velo ticks up. 

Brendan Schwarting -2024 - C
PBR Notes: A strong armed catcher that could play a big role in controlling the run game.

Chase Bradbury - 2025 - C

 

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